Glutathione : Reverse Your Inflammation

I have had histamine intolerance (and specifically DAO deficiency) all my life. Until my 40s it was just inconvenient. Then it became chronic.

My auto-immune system became “hysterical.” I started having reactions to more and more foods, and then a banquet of environmental toxins, that glutathione plays a crucial role in detoxifying.

I was intolerant to vitamin c, and to quercetin, which acted as pro-oxidants (rather than as anti-oxidants), at even tiny levels in my toxic body. It turns out that glutathione is a master anti-oxidant that regulates these anti-oxidants.

I was also intolerant to all methylation donors. Methylation involves four interlocking, conversion processes; folate, methylation, B12, and glutathione that are important to detoxification.

According to Dr Ben Lynch, the glutathione cycle is the most important of these cycles. Until glutathione depletion is addressed all other methylation interventions are futile.

Also I had chronic acute inflammation markers which were “off the charts” including ceruloplasmin (which regulates copper), c-reactive protein, and metabolic markers. I put on 30 kilos in about 6 weeks in response to inflammation.

When we are very sick it is easy to think our body is turning on us. Actually when we get answers, it turns out that our body has been hard at work protecting us. Glutathione, like histamine, is part of our body’s protective system.

Glutathione itself is produced by the body from glutamate, glycine and cysteine. Cysteine, however, is the most important, as it is the limiting factor, determining how fast our body produces glutathione.

Glutathione (or as a minimum cysteine) becomes depleted, when the amount of toxins it is called on to process, exceed the amount of glutathione that the body can produce. When it reaches this “tipping point” it is no longer able to perform its protective role.

My body had definitely exceeded its tipping point, but after a lot of stumbling, and a lot of expert medical advice, here are the steps that have restored my glutathione.

Step 1: Identify and Remove the Source of Oxidative Stress

There are many causes of oxidative stress. Any foreign “unnatural” invader can trigger oxidative stress. My source may not be yours.

To identify the cause, involves piecing the puzzle together, through a detailed history, to pinpoint the likely triggers.

I will shortly write more about the link between histamine intolerance, prescription drugs, and mast cell activation, but at least in my case there is compelling scientific evidence, that my body was tipped into oxidative stress by prescription drugs linked to cytochrome P450 (specifically CYP2D6) genetic mutations.

So I had my answer, my glutathione stores became depleted, struggling to process prescription drugs, that it was not genetically designed to metabolise. Once depleted, it became unable to metabolise a wide range of artificial toxins, even in the tiniest amounts.

I had to remove not only the offending prescriptions drugs, but all chemicals and toxins from my environment, until my glutathione levels were restored.

Again, if your body is in oxidative stress, your primal source may be different to mine. Drugs, alcohol, chemicals, pathogens, and sugar are also heavy users of glutathione.

Step 2: Optimise Natural Glutathione

Creamy zucchini and basil soup with kale pesto and hemp seeds

Before I start on what has worked for me, I want to make it clear, that reversing oxidative stress needs to be done with extreme care. Everyone has their own bio-individuality, it cannot be rushed, and it needs to be done under expert supervision.

My starting point was my diet. My immunologist bravely told me that I needed to get my medicine from whole-foods. So I set about personalising my diet.

Firstly, although your bio-individuality may be different, I gradually evolved to a “paleo” diet. I have written about how I did this here.

Secondly, I gradually modified that diet to a paleo version of the “wahls’ protocol.”

Simplistically, I added 2 – 3 cups of coloured vegetables, 2- 3 cups of sulfurous vegetables, and 2 – 3 cups of greens a day. That is I eat more vegetables than a vegetarian.

Studies clearly show that the anti-oxidants in whole-foods are bio-available, and that doubling fruit and vegetable intakes, results in significant increases in anti-oxidant scores. There is a good summary of the research here.

Whole-foods in their raw form also provide a rich source of nutrients for glutathione productions including:

Finally, as I was insulin resistant, I balanced my carbohydrate and fat intake, to balance my blood sugar. I will shortly write more about this.

This may not be necessary for you, but glutathione appears to play a role in regulating metabolic syndrome. Insulin resistance is highly inflammatory and damaging to the mitochondria and addressing weight and glucose regulation is important.

Diet is the backbone of my recovery plan, but even the most optimal diet, will only maintain glutathione stores. Reversal of oxidative stress requires supplementation. Here are some of the functional foods I used to boost my glutathione levels:

Un-denatured whey protein isolate, studies show significant increases in glutathione levels. Just one single serve a day has been shown to dramatically boost glutathione. Whilst not part of the studies, colostrum at least on paper, would appear to also do so, as well as providing a range of additional micro-nutrients. There are many types of protein supplements, but the ones to look for are un-denatured, from grass-fed cows, and with no artificial additives.

Broccoli sprouts are 5 – 6 days old and contain over 100 times more sulforaphane than a mature plant. They have been shown to dramatically boost glutathione.

Turmeric, it seems there is little that it cannot do, and studies show that it also boosts glutathione. A good summary of the research to date (including glutathione) is here.

Montmerency (sour) cherry juice, significantly increases melatonin levels. Two serves a day have been found to have a profound impact on melatonin levels which are an anti-oxidant that does not become pro-oxidant.

Yoga, so it is not a food, but yoga (as gentle exercise) is highly effective at boosting glutathione levels.

Step 4: Concentrated Supplements

Once I had safely modified my diet, and boosted my glutathione with functional foods, I started even more concentrated supplementation.

Once again, this was done under the careful supervision, through graduated introduction. The supplements I used (in the order I introduced them) are:

Liposomal glutathione which is a modified form of glutathione (which as the end product requires no conversion) that survives the digestive tract to get into the cells. I used one from Seeking Health which had clean ingredients, was potent (in contents and sulfurous odor!).

Astaxanthin is a powerful anti-oxidant that (unlike other vitamins and flavonoids) is never a pro-antioxidant. Studies also show that it not only helps protect the mitocondrial membrane (in conjunction with omega rich oils), but promotes glutathione production. I used the Green Nutritionals supplement as it was clean (without vitamin C) and had balanced omegas to increase absorption.

Lipsomal vitamin c is a modified form of vitamin c which survives the digestive tracts and gets into the cells. I am again using one from Seeking Health which is clean and potent. It is the only Vitamin C I tolerate. High doses of Vitamin C are also believed to be beneficial to histamine intolerance.

Silymarin (milk thistle), is a potent anti-oxidant, that has been shown to protect the liver from toxic drugs, hormones, and industrial chemicals, increase glutathione in the liver, and regenerate damaged liver cells.

Melatonin and NAC (n-acetyl-l-cysteine) can also be supplemented, however, I prefer to obtain my melatonin from its whole-food source, and by-pass cysteine by supplementing with lipsomal glutathione.

Reversal of Inflammation

Boosting my glutathione levels has reversed my inflammation markers and my immune system appears to have been stood down. I am still highly intolerant to very high histamine foods (such as vinegar) but I am no longer highly reactive to a wide range of foods and environmental factors. I continue to use food as medicine, but I no longer need pharmaceutical medicine, and any histamine reactions are again merely inconvenient.

Hi joyinhisworld! It of course depends on whether your glutathione levels are compromised. I know there is a lot of “hype” on the internet about eating cruciferous vegetables and thyroid disease. I believe the considered view is that this is only a problem when you are eating vast “raw” quantities. If you are wondering if diet and in particular paleo diet may be useful then I thought you might be interested in what to health coaches with thyroid disease say: http://www.sarahwilson.com/2011/09/how-i-healed-my-thyroid-with-food-my-fun-chat-with-top-chefs-andrea-beaman/. Hope that helps.

Hi Alison, I am still yet to get the 23andme test but I am concerned I have issues with sulfur foods. Would this mean it’s better to start with a glutathione supplement before going to the foods as a source? I am sensitive to most supplements like you – quercetin, vitamin C etc. I cant afford lots of tests so am thinking the 23andMe would be the best one to go for as a comprehensive list?

The amount of caesin in whey protein is miniscule. As with all sensitivity issues go low and go slow.

Heidi Doggett

Are there conditions that could make adding glutathione dangerous? I’ve gotten really sick from methylfolate, curcumin, methyl-B12, and niacin (which I took in a tiny amount because it was supposed to help with the methylfolate reaction…never again.) I’ve spent the past 4 years cutting more and more foods and never being able to add any back in, short of some high-FODMAP foods, which I stopped having digestive reactions to, but suddenly started getting allergy-type reactions to, which I had never before noticed in my life, though I did have to go on an antihistamine over a year ago and have not been able to go off it. I did manage to start vitamin C and quercetin a few days ago and I’m not seeing a reaction yet, but I’m really leery of trying supplements after previous experiences.

Hi Heidi it is difficult to comment on your specific circumstances without a full history and diagnosis. In my opinion people with severe hypersensitivity have an underlying (treatable) medical condition. It is important to know what that is before supplementing. As a general rule, a hyper-sensitivity disorder, is first and foremost critical to start with food and to do things in very very small amounts and build and only go to supplements once you are no longer reacting. Simplistically supplements are in effect concentrated forms of food. I hope that makes sense.

Heidi Doggett

Well, I just finally ordered my 23andMe. I was putting it off because $$$, but it looks like I can’t afford not to have it any more! You’re right–I just need to get to the bottom of this.

AWESOME! There is always an answer. Your body is reacting as it was designed and is working hard to protect you. We just need to figure out why. Also a three day stool test and parasite test is also highly helpful.

Cheryl Bray

this is an excellent post…I would love a way forward for my daughter. She is a 10 year old with histamine intolerance plus issues with salicylates and stored oxalates. Some of the foods on your plan are high histamine/high oxalate…I want to move forward but not sure in our case.. She was on massive antibiotics from birth to age 4 plus several sedations for surgeries. I stopped going to regular doctors by age 5 and we’ve been working on her health for the last 5 years. We are GFCF organic grass fed no artificial colors/ flavors plus we try to avoid high oxalate/high histamine foods. But i know it’s not enough. We’ve tried GAPS and Paleo but the histamine reactions were fierce. We have done 23 and me and she is heterozygous for all three MTHFR snps and both COMT V158M and COMT H62H and both VDR snps. I feel so bad for her…she can barely eat anything…without a reaction and she’s only 10..some of the foods you ate were high histamine foods…yet you recovered?

Hi Cheryl nice to hear from you. Yes I have recovered by which I mean I can still react to medication, but my histamine thresshold is now “high” with only minor reactions, unless I eat very high foods. I will sortly do a post on the differential diagnosis of histamine intolerance. I believe the reason that a lot of people are not getting better is because they are not properly diagnosed. Sending you and your daughter healing thoughts.

Lisa Mary T

In case this helps, I only drink water and eat organic when possible and processed in a nutribullet – sprouted green peas, sprouted brown rice milk, rutabaga, choko/chayote and kabocha squash, grass fed butter, farm fresh grass fed beef, pork belly, chicken and turkey that are not fed soy, juiced lettuce, just ripe bananas, and sea salt. Using a pendulum as a guide, I take nutritional supplements including vitamin C, K, biotin, and digestive enzymes. One of my root causes I discovered in Oct was this urine toxic element test https://www.doctorsdata.com/resources/uploads/sample_reports/Sample%20Report%20UT.PDF. Mine was provoked with 300mg DMPS & 500mg DMSA and I collected for 8 hours. Lead result was 38 s/b less than 2! I hope you know about Yasmina, the Low Histamine chef who is also sensitive to oxalate and acknowledges salicylate issues. We are all different, Genetically, my BHMT is +/+ for all, it’s the shortcut through the methylation cycle. For more details anyone can email me at bhtnc@hotmail.com.

Shelley

Alison, this was great. I am struggling to figure out how to get the 2 – 3 cups of coloured vegetables, 2- 3 cups of sulfurous vegetables, and 2 – 3 cups of greens a day, all low histamine, without repeating the same plants each day. Choices are limited. Any thoughts?

It is difficult to comment without understand your whole picture. It is my experience that the 6 cups is a step two type scenario, with step 1 being resolving underlying triggers. I do not believe in the grin and bear it approach.

Shelley

For those of us who cant tolerate curcumin due to the gene issue, is turmeric also out? Thank you!

Great article and website! I have histamine related issues and food sensitivites (no food allergies). With regards to the Astaxanthin, many on the market are derived from sea algae. Any concerns with that since most seaweed, iodine, and seafood products contribute to histamine or does the benefits outweigh that with Astaxanthin?

Hi Claudio. Thankyou! All astaxanthin is derived from sea algae. Depending on your own situation the benefits outweigh any histamine content. The key reason for differences in histamine tolerance is improving the individual health status rather than lowering histamines. I find this is generally well tolerated.

sara rotger

Thanks for the information! I know that genetically I have issues with glutathione. I tried taking liposomal glutathione from Seeking Health, but I got a horrible (horrible!!) headache. Initially I just followed the directions on the bottle, but I tried again taking smaller amounts, still got a headache, but not so bad. Is it a good idea to try taking it again, in smaller doses over a longer period of time?

Hi Sara it would be important to let your practitioner know and ensure so that they can advise you as I am not sure of your specific circumstances.

Ruby Shay

Hi thank you so much for the information. Dr’s have no idea whats wrong with me. I’ve also been to many holistic dr’s who were no help at all either. Im a happy person who eats a healthy and works out. Most dr.s think I should take depression meds for my skin burnin sensation and distention & pain. Eating food makes my skin itch & sting & makes my stomach bloat & hurt all day everyday. It’s been 5 years of constant pain. I’m 31. I eat very healthy (lots of veggies, water & wild salmon & chicken) & stay away from foods Im allergic to. I’m interested in taking glutathione and hoping it will help, the one you recommend has sunflower which is one of my top food allergens that harms my stomach. There are so many glutationes out there. I don’t know where to start. Budget is also a thing.

Hi Ruby I would not be taking glutathione unless you have a glutathione issue. A cheaper alternative are the ones with Setria(R) in them. You could google and see what the fillers are as I do not know what is right for you.

Ruby Shay

Thank you Alison, what is Setria is positive/negative. I’m wondering why it makes it cheaper. Mostly I’m just looking for a great quality one without the sunflower oil. What should a person look for when searching for a great quality gluthione, there are so many out there?

My face reacts with red spots and itching/scaling whenever I eat foods with sugar, including fruits. Allergy doctors cannot explain it. The reactions are histamine mediated because I can suppress them effectively with internal and topical Benadryl (antihistamine). Later, I found out that I can also suppress them with taking ONE of the following supplements: Gluthatione, Milk Thistle extract, Glutamine, Quercetin. They are all antioxidants and many people do not realize that anti-oxidants disrupt inflamatory processes by the immune system. Recently I found out that a topical 5% gluthatione cream can suppress the inflamation in my face very effectively, just like oral gluthatione. Hope that helps somebody.

Thankyou so much for sharing. I am so pleased it has worked for you. Topical applications are very effective (especially when there is an absorption issue.

Wendy Evans Wadhams

I have been battling chronic health issues for years. I am working with a very good functional medicine doctor and nutritionist, who are just stumped. I am coming to the conclusion that it is a histamine problem and will be undergoing testing to determine. I am making this comment because I stopped in my tracks when I read you had been intolerant of Vitamin C. I have been intolerant of Vitamin C for years but could not figure it out, nor get anyone to really believe me! Thank you for your informative site…I believe this info can be very beneficial for me!

Thankyou Wendy. If you need a second pair of eyes I offer a service where I do one consultation where I go over everything that has been done and offer suggestions only. I hope you get answers; I know they are there.

Wendy Evans Wadhams

Thank you. I will be back in touch as I continue this journey!

Wendy Evans Wadhams

So, just one question…as I read through your comments again….are you saying that your glutathione level needs to be sufficient in order to metabolize the Vitamin C? If so, then I can finally understand what is likely my problem with Vitamin C. Thanks.

No that is not what i am saying. You need lab test to get to the bottom of it.

Wendy Evans Wadhams

Ok thanks…will add that to my list!

Alissa

Thanks for the info. How do I find out if I have insulin resistance? I eat no added sugars but my sugar is usually around 100 which I find odd. I often wonder if I ate a typical American diet if it would be obvious I have auto immune diabetes and I haven’t been diagnosed because I self medicate with a healthy diet. I have massive inflammation problems 🙁 So how can I find out if I am intolerant to vit c? Would a 23 and me test break everything down for me and what it means? The only thing I can think with why someone would be intolerant to vit c is if they have an imbalance in acidity. Thanks so much.

You would need to speak to your doctor and request a blood test and of course you can measure your blood sugar with a glucometer. In terms of vitamin C there are so many factors that come into this. Some need natural vitamin C (particularly will cellular mineral issues), some need liposomal forms, and of course the source of the ingredients is also problematic.

tricia

Very interesting post! I am two years into menopause, and am challenged with histamine intolerance and hypothyroid. The hypothyroid results in myxedema. The HIT in facial & orbital edema. I’ve been reading that NAC helps with myxedema (but may have a side effect of hair loss). I am wondering if glutathione would help with the edema and histamine intolerance, since cysteine is a component of it. Would appreciate your insight!

Tricia – I dont know what is right for you but glutathione can be better tolerated/absorbed than NAC. If you want to know whether it is appropriate for you then there are two test that can be helpful to determine your bio-individual needs. An organic acids test or a spectra-cell test. Enjoy!

tricia

I tried Natural Factors Whey protein (grassfed, undenatured, not flavored). It caused orbitol edema which is my main histamine symptom. I don’t want to give up on whey though! Do you have a brand which could be lower histamine? Or perhaps try liposomal glutathione?

Hi Tricia – I dont know the Natural Factor’s brand so I cannot comment. If you want to boost NAC then you could try liposomal glutathione.

tricia

I just spoke to a nutritionist at my local health store. She also said that histamine is detoxed in the Phase 2 liver pathway, and glutathione is needed for the pathway to work. And, my Chinese doctor thought that my liver meridian was compromised. Lightbulb moment! I tried NAC as a supplement, but it caused vasodilation. I am going to try goat whey, and then liposomal glutathione. And chinese herbs. Thanks so much for your input on this! I’ve been reading about HIT for two years, but it is finally starting to make sense!

Tricia, you could try the acetyl version of glutathione, which come in capsules. It is easily absorbed and even more effective at getting into cells than intravenous glutathione. Naturedoc.com and iherb.com sell it. Make sure it is the acetyl version of glutathione, otherwise you will get little absorbtion.

InsanelyBright

NAC would not cause hair loss. It has been shown to potentially reverse it.

Kelly Jean

How can you be intolerant to Vit C? your body needs it? are there some forms that are better tolerated?

It depends on the source. Some Vitamin Cs are synthetic and some do not tolerate. Also ascorbic acid can raise copper levels causing symptoms. Some people are also intolerant to citrus derived vitamin c. The best tolerate are usually the natural forms of vitamin c.

there are a lot of non-citrus vitamin C options including camu camu and acerola cherry based supplements.

Kelly Jean

is Camu okfor histamine intolerance?

Jane

Hi Alison. Thank you for this article. I recently had a liver detox function test and it revealed low glycine and glutathione. My practitioner has recommended 4g of NAC a day for the glutathione – which is not only very expensive, I’m worried it’s a little high – not an expert though. Your information is reassuring because I have started taking a product by Mediherb that has the broccoli sprouts and tumeric, plus I plan to start taking whey protein concentrate – so I’m getting there. I’m replying, though, to this post because I would like to know if that’s common knowledge about the Vitamin C and copper? I am soon to get a compounded formula made up, to address my very high copper and pyrolles, and in it is 2,000mg of ascorbic acid…
Jane 🙂

It is also possible to have BOUND copper (that is high copper, high ceruloplasmin) which does not require such restrictions. In this instances raising ceruloplasmin does not help and instead identifying the source can be key to reversing it.

I would ask your practitioner if your copper is bound to ceruloplasmin or unbound and ask them what the source of high copper is in your opinion. If it is low ceruloplasmin then the type of vitamin c matters.

If you can tolerate dairy then whey protein (provided it is clean) will raise glutathione as well as a host of other good stuff.

Good luck – and dont be afraid to ask them – and also ask them about how to titrate the dosage up to your own body’s needs. A good question to ask would be how should you feel, and what would it feel like if the dose is too high.

Everyone has their own bio-individual dose and there is a lot to be said for a gradual increase approach on a daily basis.

Jane

Thanks for replying, Alison. I have two practitioners. One is a GP trained in the Biobalance methods (pfeiifer/Walsh). She is the one that tested for the copper using blood tests. I have high free copper, so low ceruloplasmin. I have high pyrolles, so this, due to low zinc, may be why I have high copper, but it could also be due to high estrogen and adrenal burnout. The plan is to increase zinc to a level high enough that we can introduce metalothionine to further bring down the copper. The GP is only trained in these specific biochemical imbalances – Pyroluria, copper, methylation type stuff. That’s where her assistance ends. She is the one advising the 2g ascorbic acid as that is what is in her training – she would not deviate from her training. My other practitioner is a naturopath, she is assisting me with the liver stuff – low glutathione and glycine etc. I’ll take a look at the Morely Robbins info. I am trying to heal from severe CFS so incorporating doses slowly is important. I haven yet ordered my 100 day compounded formula so I will take a further look at the ascorbic acid thing. thanks Alison. 🙂

Jane

Oh my. I almost wish I didn’t click on the Morley Robbin’s site…..vitamin d! Iron! The confusion is endless!! ?

Rachel Boehmer

Hi Alison, my daughter suffers histamine intolerance and has high unbound copper due to low cerulplasmin. We’re familiar with Morley’s protocol to raise ceruloplasmin but sadly cannot tolerate the recommended whole food C, even at 1/8 tablet per day. I think this may be due to her histamine and salicylate sensitivity (caused light sensitivity, migraine, tinnitus). I was wondering if taking sodium ascorbate may ultimately assist her to tolerate more histamine and then tolerate whole C. What are your thoughts? It’s such a catch 22 situation.

I cannot comment specifically on your daughter as I do not have the complete picture. I am aware of morleys work and have great respect for him, however, in my opinion, it is an incomplete explanation for copper issues. For example, I have also seen beta-glucoronidase (gut dysbiosis), and poor estrogen metabolism (poor methylation pathway – including COMT) with high copper bound and unbound. Another option is to focus on improving her liver function in general. I have seen copper levels improve rapidly and dramatically in this way. An organic oats test would be helpful to provide more targeted solutions. I perceive histamine issues (when it is not genetic) as a metabolic issue (that is the body’s systems struggling). I do hope that helps.

Rachel Boehmer

Thanks Alison, you’ve mentioned a few issues that may apply to my daughter such as poor methylation (MTHFR), COMT, estrogen dominance. She also has DAO snps. We have done an OAT and many other tests but I don’t feel we’re getting anywhere. Her practitioner doesn’t recognise her unbound copper and low ceruloplasmin at all. Perhaps I could book a consultation with you to review my daughter’s results and health?

Go to the ultimate source…acetyl-glutathione. Also vegan friendly! Having the acetyl group attached to the glutathione molecule protects it from degradation in the digestive tract and also makes it more effectively absorbed by cells once it gets into your blood stream. naturedoc.com has the cheapest dollar per gram I can find but I have not checked in the past several months for new suppliers. iherb.com sell Nutricology acetyl-glutathione. Make sure it is acetyl!

Devis Wolowitz

Everyday stress is a average part of modern living. For some people, the
stress can be overwhelming, which can lead to anxiety and insomnia.
Others undergo the effects of long-term, accumulated or intense stress.
This can challenge the nervous systems’ ability to cope, resulting in
depression, angry outbursts, complete burnout, or other defensive
responses.

michellenj

Allison, thanks for the fantastic website and work on histamine intolerance. I have a child who developed chronic daily migraine, and it evolved with an expanding list of oral allergy symptoms (co-reactive with birch pollen…tree fruits, carrots, etc). Both the neuro and allergist we saw said “nothing in the scientific literature links food allergies to migraine”, these were true allergic IgE reactions. We were prescribed Elavil, which I didn’t know was an antihistamine. Through food logging we determined that she was food intolerant of gluten. Then the intolerances expanded, to egg, all dairy, and then all meats…basically all protein sources. it was crazy. We switched to Topamax, because the elavil stopped working (and I think now it stopped working and should never be used for migraine, because your body uses histamine signaling for so many essential homeostatis functions it probably kicks up histamine production, your body “raises its voice”). Topamax, while having side effects, at least it stabilizes mast cells reducing the histamine secretion. I tripped over a blog from another migraine sufferer who had recovery with DAO supplementation. Tried it and it helped. And that’s when I figured out the histamine link. Do you still take DAO daily? With every meal? And how much glutathione do you take? I got the seeking health liposomal. I am wondering how long until her immune system starts to come down from “code red” sensitivity… Other supplements she takes C, D, methionine, B1, B12 (adeno), methyfolate (1/4 of one seeking health lozenge 2x per day), B6, thorne trace minerals, riboflavin. Have you ever used petodolex (pa free)/butterburr? Supposed to stabilize mast cells. Used alot in Germany.

yes, if you download this free book; http://alisonvickery.us7.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=c4fd183dde8ed228e2dd57c9c&id=bd52f49046 it includes supplements that are used for migraines including butturbur. With DAO you need to take it with every meal. It only helps really with ingested histamines. I would rather look at the root cause. I strongly recommend you work with a functional trained practitioner (I do not work with children) and work on the gut, brain, access using high quality functional labs. Supplements need to be titrated to the right dose based on lab tests. e.g. minerals – I rarely use something like a thorne trace minerals. I run a hair mineral analysis or spectra-cell and titrate to optimal dosage.

PJ

I’m a little confused on NAC thinking it could increase histamine. Also, I need to watch increasing glutamate levels as I struggle with restless legs syndrome and insomnia so thoughts on glutathione?

I am not sure what is right for you but NAC is not always well tolerated, whereas Glutathione is usually well tolerated.

Caroline Flexman

Hi Alison, thanks so much for a wonderful article I was all excited to read about the undenatured whey protein isolate as I am able to find this easily in the UK. And now I see a couple other Drs saying to avoid the isolates and go for concentrate. Do you have any thoughts on this? (I can send you the links in a private email).

Yes – send me the links – Its a while since I wrote this and I have learnt a lot since then. Probably timefor an update.

Caroline Flexman

Wow, thanks for the quick response Alison. Actually after I found the 2 articles by quite well known doctors I didn’t really want to publish their posts here on your website. Since then I actually went searching for more information. I have about 8 -10 links I could sent to you… but wasn’t really sure if you would want them posted here… and I don’t seem to be able to find a contact form here on your website? Shall I send them to your hello…..alisonvickery.com.au email address?

Yes just email to that address. I dont remember all that I wrote in the article, but will have a look as a whole. Perhaps just send me the one that resonates with you as, to be honest I won’t have time to read them all.

Peg I would suggest you work with a practitioner to find out what is causing the food intolerances. It would not be as simple as taking an anti-inflammatory.

Peg Winsor

Alison, I have come upon not even one professional that has a clue why this may be or how to treat it. It’s not just a matter of pH balance. However, I have not tried fecal transplant yet. While a few FODMAPs foods are intolerable, many high FODMAPs food are tolerable. I am sensitive to some histimines and excitotoxins. If you have direct experience with this and you feel you could help me, or you have heard of others through your contacts, please let me know. Thanks much. – Peg